This guide will walk you through resolving these issues with the Snipping Tool, enabling worry-free use of the utility.
1. Check Default App Setting
Begin by verifying the default app settings for the screen sketch feature in Windows. If the Snipping Tool isn’t set as the default app, it won’t open with keyboard shortcuts.
2. Restart Explorer Process
The Snipping Tool might not work correctly if the background Explorer process becomes unresponsive and requires a restart.
3. Configure Snipping Tool Notifications
If the Snipping Tool’s screenshots don’t appear automatically, adjust your Windows notifications settings.
4. Change Snipping Tool Graphics Preference
The Snipping Tool’s performance may also be affected by its graphics preference settings. Ensure it is set to high performance and utilizes the appropriate GPU.
5. Update Snipping Tool
Certain issues with the Snipping Tool may stem from Windows updates, which are often fixed in subsequent patches. It’s important to have the latest Windows build to avoid any app-related bugs.
6. Reset Snipping Tool
Damaged local data stored by the Snipping Tool can hinder its proper function. Resetting the app can help isolate and fix the problem.
7. Perform a Clean Boot
If none of the above methods resolve the issue, a clean boot might help. This can be useful for determining if a background application is causing the problem with the Snipping Tool. A clean boot disables third-party programs and services from starting with Windows. This enables you to test if the app functions without these running in the background. Following these methods should enable you to address the issue of the Snipping Tool not working. If your efforts prove unsuccessful, reach out to the Microsoft support team for assistance. Meanwhile, you could consider switching to third-party alternatives like the free software ShareX.
